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Wednesday, 20 November 2013

From Woodstock, New Brunswick, Tracy and the Hurtin’
Heart’s second release is an ambitious project, which includes video as well as
music. Indeed, every one of the four tracks on their “Cedar Hill Schoolhouse
Sessions” EP has corresponding ‘live’ visuals, all of which can be found on the
group’s YouTube channel – well worth checking out.

Recorded at one of the oldest surviving schoolhouses
in their home province, singer-songwriter Tracy Anderson has fashioned a
collection of songs that sound as mature and aged as their studio. Lead track
“All Gone” digs deep into history, with a collection of hard-luck tales, both
fiscal and personal. It’s structured beautifully, with the best verse saved for
last, and is the sort of song that deserves serious attention from roots radio.

“I Still See Us Together” and “Barebones” cement
Anderson’s reputation for narrative, and the latter track includes a series of
keyboard runs that inflect a jazz element. It’s a pleasing effect, and leads us
into the final song, the magnificent “If I Was A Painter” – sublime blend of
old country and folksong. The squeak on the guitar strings helps emphasize the
homeliness of the recording process, and Anderson’s sweet, melodic voice
carries the songs ever upwards. All in all, the perfect finale to an eminently
likeable collection.